The Comparison of Anthropometry and Cognitive Function Before and During Ramadhan Fasting among Overweight and Obese Adults in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Ramadhan fasting is one of the five pillars in Islam. During these 29-30 days of holistic and spiritual days, Muslims abstain from drinking and eating from dawn to sunset. This alteration of dietary behavior could affect not only on anthropometry but also cognitive function. This prospective observational study aimed to determine the effect of Ramadhan fasting on anthropometry and cognitive function and its correlation overweight and obese adult populations. This study recruited adults aged between 19 to 65 years old with a BMI of ≥23.0 kg/m2 live in Kuala Nerus. Sociodemographic, anthropometry, and cognitive function data were assessed twice; Before Ramadhan (two weeks prior to Ramadhan) and During Ramadhan (week 3 and 4 during Ramadhan). Anthropometry data including body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and total body water were measured using a weighing scale, stadiometer, measuring tape, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) while the cognitive function was assessed using the Malay Version of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (MAVLT), Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B, and Stroop Task. A total of 146 participants were recruited with old 54.8% were male while 45.2% were female. The mean age of participants was 42.6±19.4 years. Analysis on the anthropometry data showed that weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage were significantly reduced during Ramadhan with p<0.001. Meanwhile, the cognitive function data showed that the completion time for Stroop Congruent and Incongruent Test, and TMT B were significantly reduced during Ramadhan with p<0.001 signifying a better executive performance. The MAVLT learning and recognition scores were significantly increased during Ramadhan (p<0.001) indicating an improvement in memory. The correlational analysis showed the negative correlation between the changes in waist circumference and MAVLT learning during Ramadhan (p=0.031) indicating that reduced waist circumference results in increased MAVLT learning score during Ramadhan. This study’s limitation includes the number of participants that did not reach the required sample size. In conclusion, the current study showed the significant potential of Ramadhan fasting to improve anthropometry outcomes and cognitive function among overweight and obese adults.